Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

March 21st, 2009
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The second installment in the Indiana Jones, set 2 years before Raiders, finds Indy going after the Shonkara stones and trying to rescue children enslaved by the Thagee Cult. He is joined by young Short Round (Key He Quan) and nighclub vocalist Willie Scott, played very well by Kate Capshaw, the current Mrs.Spielberg. While Karen Allen’s Marion Ravenwood was a two-fisted hellraiser, Scott is a pampered indoor brat, and in turn is brilliant, plus her character is quite funny also, as is Short Round. Amrish Puri is a chilling as the villainous cult leader.

Though Temple of Doom lacks Sallah, Marcus Brody, and the Nazis, it is an improvement over Raiders in more than a few ways. To start, Ford is even better as Indy for his character is tested more. Douglas Slocombe’s photography is more effective, and John Williams’ music score is even more diverse and genius. Temple of Doom is also more creative, emotionally effective, and imaginative. However, it lacks the spectacle of the first film and is far more controversial and violent.This is the movie that created the PG-13 rating.

Dennis Muren’s stunning Oscar-winning visual effects match Richard Edlund’s effects in Raiders, yet they are not as awe-inspiring or important to the story. Elliot Scott’s production design is terrific, and the cult sequences are very intense. The stunts top the ones in Raiders and are really good. The most memorable sequences have to be the mine car chase, the creature feature dinner, the Shanghai nightclub opening, the duel at the cult platform, and the rope bridge finale, incredible. Though Temple of Doom isn’t as good as Raiders or Last Crusade it is highly recommended and is one of the best adventure films ever made.

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Die Hard

March 21st, 2009
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Arguably, `Die Hard’ is just an action movie. Inarguably, `Die Hard’ is `the’ action movie; as in the action movie that all other action movies can only aspire to become. `Die Hard’ is intense, absorbing, entertaining and completely `edge of your seat’ worthy from start to finish. Director John McTiernan did a masterful job of getting the action just right, of editing the film in such a way that each scene brilliantly leads right into the next, never losing its intensity or losing its audience. Add to that one of the greatest action performances ever and you have one thrilling movie that is prime for repeat viewing after repeat viewing.

`Die Hard’ introduces us to John McClane, NYPD. You’ll want to remember that name, for next to Ripley it’s the only `action star’ name you’ll ever need to know. Forget Ethan Hunt or even James Bond (well, you can remember James Bond I guess) because John McClane is the definition of action star. Well, I guess I should say that Bruce Willis is the definition of action star, but you get my drift. When the LA building his wife happens to be in is taken hostage by a group of terrorists planning a robbery, McClane takes matters into his own hands and wages a war against the terrorists from inside the building. The LAPD isn’t making things any easier, but John has the help of one particular officer.

The plot is fine but it’s the action that really makes `Die Hard’ an instant classic. It breathes new life into the genre and pushes the envelope in ways that no other action film has done. `Die Hard’ is a movie that will never get old or become outdated. It holds up even today, twenty years after its release, proving to be just as good if not better than most of the so called `action’ films that get released today.

The acting is also a highlight, especially that of Bruce. It saddens me that the Academy can often be so dense and blind. In my personal opinion Bruce gave one of the best performances of the year. He was natural and witty, charming and brooding all at the same time. He created an iconic character, and that is hard to do. John McClane is a household name. Alan Rickman is also a pleasure to watch here. As Hans Gruber he creates a prime bad guy, someone cunning, masterful and of course evil. Reginald VelJohnson feels like he playing a lengthened version of his character on `Family Matters’ and comes off a bit mechanical, but it’s forgivable. Bonnie Bedelia nails her performance as McClane’s wife. She filters through her characters emotions well.

In the end `Die Hard’ is a classic film that I’m sure many of you have already seen. If you haven’t seen it then I urge you to go out and see it ASAP. `Die Hard’, like I’ve already mentioned, is a film that stands the test of time. It is just as up-to-date as the films being released today. There is no other film like it, and there most likely will never be an `action’ film that can top it.

Cast

  • Bruce Willis Detective John McClane
  • Alan Rickman Hans Gruber
  • Bonnie Bedelia Holly Gennero McClane
  • Reginald VelJohnson Sgt. Al Powell
  • Alexander Godunov Karl
  • Paul Gleason Deputy Police Chief Dwayne T. Robinson
  • William Atherton Richard Thornburg
  • De’voreaux White Argyle
  • Hart Bochner Harry Ellis
  • James Shigeta Joseph Yoshinobou “Joe” Takagi

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Dr. Strangelove

March 21st, 2009
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I have seen “Dr. Strangelove” over 100 times which proves either I need to get a life or I have very good taste. I hope it’s the latter.

This is, quite simply, the most complete and the most brilliant film ever made. There is not one boring, poorly acted or superfluous scene in the entire movie. The performances are simply outstanding. Peter Sellers in his three roles is, as always, superlative. But George C. Scott, not generally noted for comedy, proves he is a comedic actor of the highest order.

Slim Pickens gives an absolutely hilarious performance as Major Kong. Watch how he takes his cowboy hat out of the safe, and his accent when he delivers the classic line, “A fella could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff!”

Keenan Weenan delivers an absolutely dead-on performance as Bat Guano (“if that really is your name…”) and Kubrick somehow managed to drag a riveting performance out of Sterling Hayden, not normally known as any great shakes in the acting department.

This film is gorgeously directed, paced and is literally perfect. Watch particularly the lengthy scenes in the war room, with Sellers as President Muffley delivering his lines in a flat midwestern American accent to Dimitri, the fun-loving Russian premiere.

If you have never seen “Dr. Strangelove,” you’re in for a cinematic experience you’ll never forget. You can watch it dozens of times and still laugh, still appreciate the outstanding performances and marvel at this perfect motion picture.

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Fight Club

March 21st, 2009
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I will be the first to admit that I had doubts about Fight Club. When the movie was first promoted for its debut in theatres, the advertisements, I believe, gave a representative impression of the film’s actual content. I thought, like many others, that Fight Club was going to be another lackluster production filled with all the clichés you would expect to see in a Van Damme-esque action misadventure. It took some goading but I finally decided to give this movie a chance, and I would highly suggest that anyone who has not should do the same.

For anyone who is tired of the prefabricated plot lines that dominate today’s movie industry, you know the ones for teeny-boppers and the sequels to movies unfit for original production, Fight Club is a refreshing alternative. The star-studded cast, Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter, provide the perfect chemistry for this deceptively brilliant critique of the modern man. David Fincher, who also collaborated with Pitt in the movie Seven, captures the essence Chuck Palahniuk’s novel with beautiful cinematography.

The junior executive, played by Norton, is struggling to swallow his mundane existence. He suffers from a variety of ailments, from depression to insomnia. Norton’s character, the narrator, whose name is never revealed during the film, an example of the subtle nuances that make this production so appealing, lacks a sense of identity, as is expressed in the following quote: “I’d look through the catalog and think, what kind of furniture defines me as a man?” Palahniuk, very cleverly, illustrates how disillusioned and materialistic society has become. Tyler’s occupation of a soap salesman is yet another example. He sells his luxurious soap, made from lye and the pilfered fat from liposuction clinics, back to the very clients who supplied the materials.

Underneath the comedy, the drama, and, at times, the brutal violence, lays an exceptional social satire. Norton’s character and his partner in crime Tyler Durden, played by Pitt, revolt against the twenty-first century image of man. A prime example of Palanhiuk’s contempt for the feminization of man occurs when the two board a bus. They see a Calvin Klein advertisement of a perfectly groomed young adult male devoid of imperfections and body hair. Tyler asks, “Is that what a man looks like?” They both laugh and express their sympathy for people following the path of superficial self-improvement.

The film broaches some rather controversial social issues, which separate it from most conservative contemporary pieces. Many women, mothers especially, were offended by the line, “We’re a generation of men raised by women; I’m wondering if another woman in my life is really what I need?” I thought that was a goal films; they are supposed to be about eliciting emotion.

This film’s cast and director combined to produce a film that will not be soon forgotten. From the horror of the Norton and Leto fight scene to the compassion and sorrow of support group scenes, Fight Club takes you on an eye-opening voyage through the mind of a man gone mad from banality. If you have not watched Fight Club yet and are tired of the same regurgitated garbage, check it out next time you have a chance.

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Scarface

March 21st, 2009
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On Barbra Walter’s interview with Al Pacino several years ago she said that this was Pacino’s favorite role. But this film stands on its own despite this proclamation. This is an underworld’s rags to riches story with one of the greatest endings to a film ever!

Pacino plays a Cuban refugee thug , Tony Montana , who claws and scracthes(taking some lives along the way) to the top of the cocaine world in Miami with the help of his right hand man Manny Ray(Steven Bauer).

Pacino plays this part with such passion and energy that he absolutely fuels this film from beginning to end. You can’t take your eyes off the man. He adds humanistic dimensions to Tony Montana. He shows Montana’s humor , machismo , intelligence , leadership , guts , and flaws. He even shows Montana’s tender side(the scene with Michelle Pfeiffer at poolside). Pacino actually gets you to like a character who is basically a sleazeball. Now that is acting!

There are memorable moments throughout this film and some are very graphic but what is probably the highlight moment of this film is the great shoot ‘em up scene at the end ; Sosa’s hitmen infiltrating Montana’s estate to kill him because Montana botched a major hit for Sosa. When Montana , full of cocaine , finally refocus his attention to the hitmen he fights back in complete defiance to them with a machine gun/grenade launcher. “Say hello to my little friend!” is now one of those famous movie lines of film history. He blast them away like dominoes , withstanding the awesome gunfire because of the cocaine in his system. This is a real “guy’s” scene. It’s action fueled by high octane adrenaline and Pacino plays it beyond belief. His performance is so elating that you want to grab a machine gun and fight along side him. Pacino IS Scarface!

Cast

  • Al Pacino as Tony Montana
  • Steven Bauer as Manny Ribera (Credits list as “Manny Ray”)
  • Michelle Pfeiffer as Elvira Hancock
  • Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Gina Montana
  • Robert Loggia as Frank Lopez
  • F. Murray Abraham as Omar Suárez
  • Harris Yulin as Mel Bernstein
  • Paul Shenar as Alejandro Sosa
  • Ángel Salazar as Chi Chi
  • Pepe Serna as Angel Fernandez
  • Míriam Colón as Georgina “Mama” Montana
  • Al Israel as Hector “The Toad”

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Deer Hunter

March 21st, 2009
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As a young film enthusiast, it’s always unnerving to watch films and be limited to the full effect it had on the audience because it was made before your time and in a much different era. “The Deer Hunter” was no exception. But I love it regardless of that annoyance.

“The Deer Hunter,” next to “Apocalypse Now,” is by far the best Vietnam movie ever. There’s both an epic quality to this film as well as an intimacy about it. It looks at the mental, emotional, and physical toll the war had on American soldiers unlike any other film and it shows what it did to close friends and communities.

The major sequence in the beginning is the wedding sequence. Yes, it’s lengthy, but that sequence is this film’s heart. It wouldn’t be ‘The Deer Hunter’ without it. All major characters are introduced as well as their relationship with one another.

Michael Vronsky (Robert De Niro), is the leader of his pack of four brother-like friends. Michael, Steve(John Savage), and Nick (Chris Walken), are all going to to Vietnam, while Stan(John Cazale) is left in Pennsylvania with Axel(Chick Aspegren. So the wedding sequence is both a celebration of Steve’s wedding as well as a going away party for Steve, Mike and Nick. In the middle of all this, there’s Linda(Meryl Streep)who’s Nick’s fiancee AND the object of Michael’s affections.

In Vietnam, Steve, Nick and Mike are captured by the Viet Cong and are forced to engage in endless games of Russian Roulette and with the efforts of Mike, they all escape but at a cost. Steve and Mike return home while Nick is left in Saigon. Michael is reunited with Linda, but is isolated and alienated from his surroundings.They comfort each other because she is also mourning Nick’s absence as a loss. He attempts to go back to his deer hunting ways, but can’t bring himself to shoot a deer
anymore because he now knows first-hand what it feels like to be hunted.

With a visit to a Veteran’s hospital, Steve, now a maimed, wheel-chair ridden man discloses to Mike about the money he has recieved from an annonymous sender from Siagon. Mike quickly figures out who it is and rapidly departs to Saigon in search for Nick. He finds Nick reliving his Russian Roulette ordeal by gambling with his own life. Mike shows up and desperately tries to get Nick to come back to Pennsylvania and to Linda.The rest I’ll leave to those wanting to buy this movie.

“The Deer Hunter” is an emotionally charged film. It’s a gem! It brilliantly shows ordinary men who led simple lives going into the war and emerging forever scarred and forever changed by their experiences.

The Russian Roulette scenes are the most powerful and heart-wrenching. You immediately feel the tension and fear of who will live and who will die, much like the overall reaction during the Vietnam war. You’ll never forget the looks on De Niro’s, Savage’s, and Walken’s faces in those scenes. They’re a work of art created by rare emotional intensity. All three men give the performances of their careers. Meryl Streep gives a wonderful performance as well. The chemistry between her and De Niro is vivid and captivating.

Great cinematography and wonderful contrasts between peace and chaos; Pennsylvania and Vietnam. It’s a film about friendship and courage and how it’s put to the test. It’s one of the best American films. Period. You’ll never forget it.
As Mike said, “This ain’t something else. This is this!”

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O Brother, Where Art Thou?

March 21st, 2009
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“O Brother Where Art Thou” was an entertaining journey through the Great Depression and Homer’s Odyssey. The stellar cast (including George Clooney, John Turturro, John Goodman, and Holly Hunter) shines. All of the characters are quirky to say the least: a one-eyed KKK Bible salesman, a Dapper Dan-obsessed intellectual jailbird, a blues guitarist who sold his soul to the devil, a blind “prophet,” the Devil bent on revenge. This is a Coles Notes approach to Homer at best (even the directors, Joel and Ethan Cohen (“Fargo,” “The Big Lebowski,” “Raising Arizona”) admit to never actually having read “The Odyssey,” the story on which “O Brother” is based), yet is unusual and highly entertaining in its own right.

Fueled by an eclectic soundtrack, “O Brother” brought about an unheard-of resurgence of early country music, winning the Grammy Award for Best Soundtrack and outselling most other CDs that year. The selections include gospel, blues, a chain gang song (“Po Lazarus”) and a hobo anthem (“Big Rock Candy Mountain”), along with plenty of toe-tapping country music from The Soggy Bottom Boys (fronted by Union Station’s Dan Tyminski), Alison Krauss, Gillian Welsh, Emmylou Harris, and more.

The film has an unusual look as well: it was digitally edited to give it the washed-out appearance of the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. There is a very interesting documentary about this process on the DVD; it is the first film to use this technique in North America (although not in Europe). In fact, there are several interesting extras on the DVD, including a making-of, a music video for “I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow,” and a script-to-storyboard comparison. “O Brother” is filled with fun, unexpected turns and twists, and a great soundtrack. It may not be the greatest film you’ll ever see, but it sure is entertaining!

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The Hunt for Red October

March 21st, 2009
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Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin star in The Hunt For Red October, a brilliantly conceived storyline drawn from the pages of military thriller and superstar writer Tom Clancy’s first novel. Blessed with a cutting-edge plot and dripping with suspense, The Hunt For Red October is one of the best Soviet/US spy films ever produced (and right on the cusp of the Cold War’s end). Perhaps the Soviet Union’s collapse was hurried along by its fear of a civilian populace that could write stories so close to reality. After all, if a US civilian could estimate the capabilities of the new Soviet submarines, what had their government uncovered? Regardless of its real life implications, The Hunt For Red October is an entertaining film rivaled by few in its class…

When Captain Marko Ramius (Sean Connery) is appointed to command the newest and most technologically advanced submarine in the Soviet fleet – the Red October, he orders his crew to do the unthinkable – defect to the United States. Diverting the sub from its designated course, he causes alarm among the ranks of the entire Soviet military establishment. The United States takes notice as well, informed by the Soviet Union that the renegade commander is intent on attacking the United States.

But CIA operative Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) has another theory. Suppose that Ramius was attempting to defect? Would the Soviet Union really inform its greatest enemy of a defection, or would they simply attempt to enlist its services in immediately destroying the sub? Ryan banks on the latter and does everything within his power to convince the top brass that he’s right. Now, the hunt is on between the two largest superpowers in the world. Which one will find the Red October first?

The role of Jack Ryan, so brilliantly portrayed by Alec Baldwin, falls to Harrison Ford for the next two Tom Clancy novels adapted to the big screen – Patriot Games and Clear And Present Danger. Ben Affleck would later star in the role of Ryan for the 2002 film release of Sum Of All Fears. But Baldwin is clearly in command of the character in this initial onscreen depiction of the now famous Jack Ryan.

However, the true star of The Hunt For Red October is Sean Connery, the former James Bond regular, who plays the role of Captain Marko Ramius. Connery is more than believable as the headstrong, renegade commanding officer of the Red October. In addition to its strong casting, The Hunt For Red October is further enhanced by the screenwriter’s decision to stick as close as possible to Tom Clancy’s original work. A surprising #1 best-seller, The Hunt For Red October became a national phenomenon following its less than ambitious initial print-run of 15,000 copes by the Naval Institute Press. Its best-seller status wasn’t the result of luck, as this film will attest. The first in a series of blockbuster Jack Ryan films, The Hunt For Red October is a definite must-see film no one should miss…

Cast

  • Sean Connery as Captain 1st Class Marko Ramius, Commanding Officer of the Red October
  • Alec Baldwin as Dr. Jack Ryan
  • Scott Glenn as Commander Bart Mancuso, Commanding Officer of the USS Dallas
  • Sam Neill as Captain 2nd Class Vasily Borodin, Executive Officer of the Red October
  • James Earl Jones as Vice Admiral James Greer, CIA
  • Joss Ackland as Ambassador Andrei Lysenko
  • Richard Jordan as Dr. Jeffrey Pelt, National Security Advisor
  • Peter Firth as Senior Lieutenant Ivan Putin, Political Officer of the Red October
  • Tim Curry as Senior Lt./Dr. Yevgeniy Petrov, Chief Medical Officer of the Red October
  • Ronald Guttman as Senior Lieutenant Melekhin, Chief Engineer of the Red October
  • Michael Welden as Captain-Lieutenant Grigoriy Kamarov, Navigator of the Red October
  • Boris Krutonog as Senior Lieutenant Victor Slavin, Chief Helmsman of the Red October

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The Godfather

March 21st, 2009
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When one looks over the movies that are usually mentioned as the all-time greats, there is usually some innovation, technical achievement, artistic statement, or heart-warming impression that explains the choice. I’m not sure that “The Godfather” fits any of those categories but it certainly has to be considered as one of the greatest movies of all-time. Francis Ford Coppola took an excellent engrossing, suspenseful book and turned it into a movie with the same qualities. From the opening to the closing scene, everything about this movie was carefully planned, designed, and orchestrated. It is a masterpiece of cinematic craftsmanship.

The acting is superb with Brando taking the prize in his portrayal of Don Corleone, the Godfather. His raspy voice that suggested reason while disguising intrigue was one of the many keys to the effective tone of the movie. There were scenes of violence, to be sure. However, it was the quiet, calculated moves that created a greater sense of evil. It was the implication of quiet yet ruthless planning that made the horse’s head all the scarier. Sonny (played very well by James Cann) did not understand the subtleties of evil whereas Michael (played even better by Al Pacino) did.

The music was haunting, the costume were well-done, the cinematography was excellent, the writing outstanding but it was the directing that carries the movie. I’m not sure whatever happened to Francis Ford Coppola. I realize that he had other achievements, not the least of which was the sequel of “Godfather II”. However, this man displayed a talent seldom seen. Maybe it was just the right mind and vision for the right project but it sure seemed that we would be seeing a lot more from this man.

Everybody has at least one scene from “The Godfather” that has stayed with them more than others. For many it is the horse’s head, for others it’s “the offer he can’t refuse”, while for others it may be something as subtle as the slowly closing door at the end of the movie. Each of those images appeals to us on a different level. “The Godfather” has worked its’ way into our culture and why not? It is a movie that appeals to most every movie goer from age 14 on up. It is one of those movies that you can enjoy over and over again. Each time you can appreciate even more examples of the artist at work.

Cast

  • Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone – the boss (the “Don”) of the Corleone family, Formerly known as Vito Andolini. He is the father of Sonny, Fredo, Michael and Connie and adoptive father to Tom Hagen. Husband of Carmella Corleone. A native Sicilian.
  • Al Pacino as Michael Corleone – the Don’s and Carmella’s youngest son, recently returned from military service following the end of World War II. The only college-educated member of the family, he initially wants nothing to do with the Corleone family business. His evolution from doe-eyed outsider to ruthless boss is the key plotline of the film.
  • James Caan as Santino “Sonny” Corleone – Vito’s and Carmella’s hot-headed eldest son; he is being groomed to succeed his father as head of the Corleone family. He is the family’s underboss.
  • Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen – an informally adopted son of Vito and Carmella Corleone, he is also the family lawyer and the new consigliere (counselor). He is not Sicilian, but German-Irish.
  • Diane Keaton as Kay Adams – Michael’s girlfriend and, ultimately, his wife and mother to his children.
  • John Cazale as Fredo Corleone – the middle son of Vito and Carmella Corleone. Fredo is not very bright and appears to be the weakest of the Corleone brothers.
  • Talia Shire as Constanzia “Connie” Corleone – Vito’s and Carmella’s youngest child and only daughter. She marries Carlo Rizzi.
  • Richard S. Castellano as Peter “Pete” Clemenza – a caporegime for the Corleone family.
  • Abe Vigoda as Salvatore “Sal” Tessio – a caporegime for the Corleone Family.
  • Al Lettieri as Virgil “The Turk” Sollozzo – a heroin dealer associated with the Tattaglia family.
  • Gianni Russo as Carlo Rizzi – Connie’s husband. Becomes an associate of the Corleone family, and ultimately betrays Sonny to the Barzini family.
  • Sterling Hayden as Captain Mark McCluskey – a corrupt police captain on Sollozzo’s payroll.
  • Lenny Montana as Luca Brasi – an enforcer utilized by Vito Corleone.
  • Richard Conte as Emilio Barzini– Don of the Barzini family.
  • Al Martino as Johnny Fontane – a world-famous popular singer and godson of Vito.

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Full Metal Jacket

March 21st, 2009
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Full Metal Jacket is the most realistic and accurate depiction of military life ever released as a major motion picture. Unlike Platoon and Casualties of War (which attempt to capitalize on the viewer’s compassion and sentiments), Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece gives us an emotionless, no-holds-barred look at warfare and the toll it takes on the men who carry it out.

Actually, Full Metal Jacket consists of two different movies – the first of which follows a company of new recruits through 12 grueling weeks of the U.S. Marine Corps boot camp in Parris Island, South Carlonia. The outstanding performance of R. Lee Ermey, playing Gunnery Sgt. Hartman, gives insight into the hell young recruits and draftees must go through to graduate boot camp. Young men barely out of high school, and full of youthful humor and ambition, are steadily molded into well-disciplined killing machines and the world’s greatest fighters. Meanwhile, one of the recruits – a clumsy, overweight Private Pyle – struggles with the strict regiment and Marine life in general, until his fellow recruits force him back in line. This unleashes the inner beast within Pyle…with tragic consequences.

The second part of the film follows a platoon’s experiences in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive of 1968. Here Kubrick focuses on the ugly side of America’s experience in Southeast Asia in the late 1960s, through the prism of the young men sent their to fight it. The Marines quickly realize that their government has sent them into a no-win situation, public support for the war has eroded, and even the native Vietnamese see the Americans as more burden than ally. Kubrick captures the essence of the nihilism of war through Private Joker, a reporter for the Marine Corps’ Stars and Stripes newsletter. Once a jovial character who made light of the situation he found himself in, Joker is reduced to an emotionless, battle-hardened warrior by the film’s conclusion. War is hell.

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